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Hello everyone, I am new to the forum. I am a race car driver living in North Carolina and our state legislature is trying to pass a bill to stop Tesla from selling cars in our state. I have been meeting with lawmakers here since the bill passed the Senate and soon I will testify before the House Transportation Committee. I wrote this article about the fight for Huffington Post and wanted to share it with all the Tesla owners and enthusiasts here:

Big fan of what you are doing, Leilani. You've gotten a good amount of press for your efforts. Keep up the great work! NC is shaping up to be the big battle state. How the dealers fare in NC is going to have an impact on Tesla sales procedures in much of the country.

Brian H | 17 Juin 2013

Outrageous that citizens not allowed to order a Tesla in NC. Bring on the outrage!

jamesd567 | 17 Juin 2013

Leilani,
Thank you. A thought to consider and maybe pass on to your NC legislators:

The Tesla S model is practically maintenance free. I think you know why. So here in california
lots of people are buying them, and over the next year or two or three the basic word is going to get out that the S car is a pleasure to drive, practically maintenance free, and 300% or more efficient when it comes to fuel (95mpg EPA rating) vis a vis no need for dealers, repairmen or ostrich like legislators.

You may remind the NC legislators that when California and New York are buying the S model in droves and consumers are saving tons of money and have no problems they are going to look like sailors at the end of the plank to their consuming public. Just remind them what happens if the S model is as hot as we know it is. Do they want to hear "Go ahead punk, make my day" from their constituents. Cause believe me, we know how ticked off consumers in NC will be if the NC legislators want prohibition on electric cars.... :-)

I certainly think Elon would agree, that the sheer force of public opinion will lead to that well known phrase "bring down that wall Mr. Gorbachev" where Mr. Gorb is each and every one of the NC legislators.

jamesd567 | 17 Juin 2013

I might add that Elon is probably happy to see NC and others contest the lack of dealerships. it forces a very loud and emotional public argument, which in the end, can only benefit Tesla, as the real driving results of real consumers across the country will put a lot of sunshine on the dirty business of ICE cars, their dealers and their repairmen.

WSJ is saying: "Get that Tesla Model S, X before the states say no". It seems that NC has very restrictive legislation on the way. Tesla can not sell autos to NC residents locally. Tesla can not communicate electronically to any NC customer or prospective customer. Sounds like North Korea. Even in Russia they do not restrict commercial telecom. Wonder if other states will follow.

Many states now feel threatened by the trend towards hi gas milage autos, hybrid cars especially plug-ins and of course fully electric cars like Tesla. All because of their gasoline tax revenues are decreasing. May be they should increase the tax in gasoline. It is not only good for the environment, but decreases our reliable to oil from unstable regions, that even do not like us. Less money to spend on the military to defend corrupt oil regimes. Anyway, if oil falls to $30/B like it was at the bottom in 2008-9, many of the corrupt regimes like in Iran will collapse without the US firing a shot.

ian t.wa.us | 17 Juin 2013

Great stuff Leilani!

I can't remember if it was here or over at teslamotorsclub.com but someone posted a link to your article already and many have read it and agree with your sentiments.

Thank you and keep up the fight!

Cheers!

SamO | 18 Juin 2013

+1 Leilani. Thanks for being a fantastic advocate for Tesla and citizens of North Carolina.

Kimscar | 18 Juin 2013

I wish Tesla would do some 30 second shorts on TV in NC. Don't know if would be cost prohibitive.

JZ13 | 18 Juin 2013

+1 Leilani - Many of us read your article a few weeks ago when it came out. You have all of our admiration and support!!!!!!

Brian H | 18 Juin 2013

If the legislation makes it through the NC House, which I doubt, it will be because dealer campaign contributions are showing their clout.

leilanimunter | 18 Juin 2013

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I am happy to be here and I hope we will win this battle in North Carolina. I think we have a good shot from the feedback I have been given by lawmakers so far.

PorfirioR | 18 Juin 2013

Mahalo nui loa Leilani

RanjitC | 18 Juin 2013

+1 Leilani

MBCMDR | 18 Juin 2013

+1 Leiani

Tigerxml | 20 Juin 2013

Universal solution to win is to prosper

On every attack Elon have to double effort to sale more and open more.
On every attack each Tesla's fan or owner have to sale one car to somebody
That's only way to win in each battle.

So let's promote Tesla to each car owner on this Country/Region/Planet and to make them buy Tesla